Recorded Music & Music Production

Background

The recorded music and music production industry includes musicians, record companies, studios, and others working in the business. The industry has faced stiff challenges over the last decade, namely declining album sales due to Internet platforms and piracy.

Despite it all, the band plays on - or at least the industry's campaign contributions and lobbying do. Contributions peaked in the 2008 election cycle, reaching nearly $5.8 million, but were nearly as high in 2012 at $5.5 million. The 2014 campaign cycle saw $3.4 million in total contributions, the highest amount coming from the industry in any nonpresidential election. Democrats pull in the lion's share of the donations that are given to candidates and parties - more than 80 percent in most years.

Top donors include media giant Vivendi and production company SFX Entertainment, both giving primarily to Democrats. Receiving the greatest sums from the industry are Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) who serves on the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet; and Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) who is a ranking member on the Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law.

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